**FIRST EMAIL**/Important Kickoff Information and Reminders

[Madison]

Greetings Teams:

Encrypted Sections of Manual

The encrypted sections of the 2009 FRC Competition Manual (sections 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) will be available for download after 8PM EST today (Monday, Dec 29, 2008) via the following link:

http://www.usfirst.org/community/frc...nt.aspx?id=452

To download, right-click on the .pdf file and select "Save Link/Target As...".
The password for accessing these documents will be available at the end of the Kickoff broadcast on Saturday, January 3rd, 2009.

Prior to Saturday please make sure your computer has the proper software by following the instructions for the 2009 Decryption Test found here: http://www.usfirst.org/community/frc....aspx?id=11570

Surrogate Letter Deadline Tomorrow!

Remember, if your team is unable to pickup its KOP at the Local Kickoff selected, an alternate team may do so.

Surrogate KOP Pick Up Letters must be received at FIRST by end of business day tomorrow, Tuesday, December 30, 2008.

Your team must provide FIRST with an authorized Surrogate Kit Pickup letter signed by the Main or Alternate contact, on school or sponsor letterhead that includes: your team number; the KOP pickup location; the name and team umber of the representative picking up the KOP. Please fax Surrogate Kit Pickup letters to FRC Team Support at 603-666-3907.

Consent and Release Forms

All team members (students and adult contacts) attending a Kickoff are required to have a signed Consent and Release form. These forms will be collected at the registration area prior to the Kickoff broadcast.

You can download and print copies at: http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles...ase%20Form.pdf

KOP Dimensions

Please make sure you have enough space available in your vehicle to accommodate the Kit of Parts. Quantities, dimensions and weight are listed below:

2 plastic totes: (27" x 17" x 12" each) 34 lbs each
1 Long box (6" x 6" x 36") 22 lbs
1 Square box (10 x 10 x 10) 30 lbs
1 Control System Box (24 1/4" x 15 1/2" x 12") 26 lbs (if not received early)
2 small boxes less than 5lbs. each

Tip! Bringing a dolly can be very helpful

NASA Webcast and Digital NASA TV Information:

If you are unable to attend a Kickoff, NASA will be webcasting the event. Please go to http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/2009_frcwebcasts.php

You may also view it on Digital NASA TV.

Please share these links with family, friends and others so they can get in on the Kickoff fun!

Go Teams!